No Rom Com

No Fiction

Can be Factual Historical

Biographical

Possibly sporting if you have a recommendation, like a memorable Lions tour, Stephen Roche winning the Tour,.....

True story against the odds would be great.

Good books on Thailand, although this has been done to death on other sub-forums, read a couple on the cultural differences and one on the English girl in Yard Lao ( sp) the women's Bangkok Hilton I think, but others might be good.

I am on Leave in a few weeks and need a couple of books, Rayong can be quite quiet, Bliss.

There are two I am thinking of, but don't know the names as yet.

True story regarding the commercial multiple group guides up Everest, where approx 10 people died, I think '96 and the story of the guy rock climbing in the U.S, rock moved, caught his hand, he then proceeded to cut the wrist/hand off with a rusty penknife, you don't see that everyday!!

I will find these names, but any other recommendations, for a quiet time on a quiet beach with a quiet beer or two.

Cheers

Moss

How about Wave of Destruction by Erich Krauss (excellent first hand account of Thai families and the Tsunami) or Taking on the World by Ellen MacArthur (on her solo sail around the world).

If you want a fascinating inside look at China's last century I highly recommend this book.

http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Swans-Jung-Chan...9440&sr=8-1

The Wild Swans is very good Cdnvic, have you tried anything by Pearl s. Buck re China in the 1920-30s?

The Wild Swans is very good Cdnvic, have you tried anything by Pearl s. Buck re China in the 1920-30s?

I read The Big Wave many years ago. I have The Good Earth on my list of books to read over the winter.

The talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith. If you've seen the movie don't bother reading it. If you've read it, don't bother watching the movie!

"Cod ....A biography of a fish that changed the world. " By Marl Kurlansky. Fascinating history of a fish. You will know why Peter Pan called Captain Hook a cod fish by the end, as well as why that most essential piece of medieval armour, was called a codpiece...........Great Book.

Just finished " Sahib" By Richard Holmes. Not bad, but recommended as it has easily digestible chapters covering different aspects of the joys and hardships of the common man in service of the Empire. Books like this I take on hols as when the missus insists you stop what you are doing.......(IE enjoying yourself with a quiet read,) if you put it down your exact place in the book is not a real issue.

I can recommend anything by Daivd K. Wyatt, like his Thailand A Short History. These others as well.

A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters by Julian Barnes is a good read.

1812: Napoleon's Fatal March by Adam Zamoyski

One of the best historical war & poitical books ever written & apart from that it is an absolute pleasure to read.

If you want a fascinating inside look at China's last century I highly recommend this book.

http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Swans-Jung-Chan...9440&sr=8-1

Thumbs up on this one too.

I've just finished Richard Bransons Losing My Virginity. I enjoyed it.

How about Wave of Destruction by Erich Krauss (excellent first hand account of Thai families and the Tsunami) or Taking on the World by Ellen MacArthur (on her solo sail around the world).

Both sound good, I will check them out.

com/Wild-Swans-Jung-Chan...9440&sr=8-1[/url]

I have heard a lot about this book, I will check it out too.

The talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith. If you've seen the movie don't bother reading it. If you've read it, don't bother watching the movie!

I have neither seen the film nor read the book, what's it about?

Moss

I can recommend anything by Daivd K. Wyatt, like his Thailand A Short History. These others as well.

I will look through these when I have a bit more time, but they look good.

A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters by Julian Barnes is a good read.

Thanks Meadish, never heard of it, so I will check it out

1812: Napoleon's Fatal March by Adam Zamoyski

One of the best historical war & poitical books ever written & apart from that it is an absolute pleasure to read.

This sounds like the retreat from Moscow, where he had his Army destroyed by the unforgiving Russian winter, just a few years later, he was able to raise another large army and sweep across Europe, until he got to Belgium, that is!!

On face value, top of the list, good one.

I've just finished Richard Bransons Losing My Virginity. I enjoyed it.

Sounds interesting

"Cod ....A biography of a fish that changed the world. " By Marl Kurlansky.

Not so sure about this.....

Just finished " Sahib" By Richard Holmes.

That's more like it.

What a quality list, thanks for taking the trouble, you have given me some work to do.

Good Luck

Moss

Yo Moss, the talented mr ripley is beyond description. Let me put it this way, a friend of mine asked me if I'd read it, to which I answered no. He said, read it, you'll thank me for it. I got home and read it in one sitting, and yes, I thanked him for it. I'd say go for it, it's rivetting!

1812: Napoleon's Fatal March by Adam Zamoyski

One of the best historical war & poitical books ever written & apart from that it is an absolute pleasure to read.

I agree it is a very good book, full of fascinating details that give the reader a real sense of the situation.

I read 'The Power And The Glory' by Graham Greene after another member recommended it to me and it is an excellent novel.

How about 'His Dark Materials' by Phillip Pullman, pure escapism and a perfect read for a long holiday as it's a trilogy.

Yo Moss, the talented mr ripley is beyond description. Let me put it this way, a friend of mine asked me if I'd read it, to which I answered no. He said, read it, you'll thank me for it. I got home and read it in one sitting, and yes, I thanked him for it. I'd say go for it, it's rivetting!

O.K my friend, I will check it out.

1812: Napoleon's Fatal March by Adam Zamoyski

One of the best historical war & poitical books ever written & apart from that it is an absolute pleasure to read.

I agree it is a very good book, full of fascinating details that give the reader a real sense of the situation.

I read 'The Power And The Glory' by Graham Greene after another member recommended it to me and it is an excellent novel.

How about 'His Dark Materials' by Phillip Pullman, pure escapism and a perfect read for a long holiday as it's a trilogy.

Yo Robbo, where you been.

That's two for old Boney, but never read a GG but I did read Pullman the other year, good enough, I'd say for Science Fantasy.

What's the Power and the Glory about?

Moss

Moss

Trust me on the Cod. One of the most fascinating books I have ever read. It's not really about the fish but about one produce which has changed world history. Plus It's not that long ideal holiday stuff.

If you want a fascinating inside look at China's last century I highly recommend this book.

http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Swans-Jung-Chan...9440&sr=8-1

Probably the best selling book in all of my bookshops for the last 5 years.

"Lords of the Rim: The Invisible Empire of the Overseas Chinese" by Sterling Seagrave is a must read for anyone working or living in Thailand. Its absolutely riveting I couldn't put it down.

There are plenty of references to well known families and businesses both here in Thailand and abroad. Their histories are fascinating...

The Everest story you are thinking of is probably "Into Thin Air" a personal account of that '96 tragedy by John Krakauer. A great book.

Yo Robbo, where you been.

That's two for old Boney, but never read a GG but I did read Pullman the other year, good enough, I'd say for Science Fantasy.

What's the Power and the Glory about?

Moss

Hi mate I've been very busy, work, study, girlfriend you know how it is, up in the lake district, down in Southampton,

I'm working at Aston Martin now and got fed up with commuting so I moved to Banbury last week, it'd be good to catch up with you before you go away.

It goes without saying that I'm extremely jealous of your forthcoming holiday, still it's been a long time coming and well deserved for the family Moss.

The Power And The Glory is about one of our favorite subjects in Bedlam, the role of religion

It's set in some South Central American banana republic, simple people, corrupt officials and a Communist regime trying to replace religion in the lives of people that don't have anything else in their lives worth cherishing.

The main character is a priest who is on the run and torn between his duty to the people, his devotion to God and his love of whiskey and self preservation.

It doesn't really provide any answers, as with most theological/ideological arguments nobody really comes out of it looking paricularly blameless, Greene takes a good swipe at all and sundry it's a superbly written story that oozes with claustrophobic fear and anguish.

It was recommended to me by a member during one of our (overheated) discussions, I'm sure you would enjoy it too.

The Everest story you are thinking of is probably "Into Thin Air" a personal account of that '96 tragedy by John Krakauer. A great book.

Into Thin Air is an excellent book, so descriptive I actually felt cold reading it!

I know it has been made into a film with big acclaim, but -

The Last king of Scotland by Giles Foden is a good book.

I bought it on holiday in Edinburgh.

My parents lived in Uganda "in the good old years". 1954-64, my dad had some sort of job in the Government.

brought the book home and my dad started reading it (lots of memories) so gubbins went out and bought another copy.

I think my dad may actually be mentioned in the book but obviously under another name to keep his star status discrete.

Giles Foden really got the atmosphere of the whole epoch. I know its not Thai related but it is a bit of history and dictorship and all that.

Cdnvic I don't remember reading The Big Wave, is that Pearl S Buck too? Have you read The Mother by her? It's brilliant. Don't know if it's Moss's taste but Yokio Mishima writes in a similar style - Moss is probably mor interested in his historical works tho.

Moss I've just read The Lizard Cage about Burma but it's heavy and not for light afternoons on the beach methinks

Moss

Trust me on the Cod. One of the most fascinating books I have ever read. It's not really about the fish but about one produce which has changed world history. Plus It's not that long ideal holiday stuff.

O.k, it's back on the short-medium-long list again

Probably the best selling book in all of my bookshops for the last 5 years.

I think it might be just a little hard going for a beach thing, but not sure, perhaps another time, when I can give the book more thought.

"Lords of the Rim: The Invisible Empire of the Overseas Chinese" by Sterling Seagrave is a must read for anyone working or living in Thailand. Its absolutely riveting I couldn't put it down.

Sounds good, but may have to wait, until I am living/working there, perhaps.

The Everest story you are thinking of is probably "Into Thin Air" a personal account of that '96 tragedy by John Krakauer. A great book.

I believe that is the one, good man.

You guys are not making this easy.

Moss

girlfriend you know how it is, up in the lake district, down in Southampton,

Sounds interesting, tell me more but over a pint.

so I moved to Banbury last week, it'd be good to catch up with you before you go away.

Hey that's close, a beer is a must, but we are a little busy up until we go away, but if you want to crash the night with a gorgeous looking female and reunite your romance with Sadie, or was that Kayo you are most welcome.

Now I have heard about this book now you have described it, sounds interesting.

Moss

Into Thin Air is an excellent book, so descriptive I actually felt cold reading it!

I think this is nearing the top of the list, if you'll excuse the pun, it was also recommended by someone at work.

The Last king of Scotland by Giles Foden is a good book.

Isn't that about Idi Amin?

I know its not Thai related but it is a bit of history and dictorship and all that.

That doesn't matter as it does sound good.

Moss is probably mor interested in his historical works tho.

Not necessarily but always a slant that way.

but it's heavy and not for light afternoons on the beach methinks

Definitely a miss then

Thanks again.

Any ideas on the rock climber who had to cut off his hand?

Moss

Doesn't sound that good, not sure how you could write a book on it though, maybe a short story, can't believe it is so long ago.

O.K found it

Moss

I can recommend the D.K. guidebook for India... one word: gripping.

Also, just published: Borat: Touristic Guidings to Minor Nation of U.S. and A. and touristic guidings to Glorious Nation of Kazakastan

Amazon.com has it for 34% off right now. Probably not available in Rayong yet...

And one other: "Soul Survivors: The Official Biography of Destiny's Child"... o.k., it's from 2002, and reduced to 1 cent on Amazon.com, but it looks so deliciously trashy... I can picture you on a Rayong beach, engrossed in their story of struggle.... my favorite quote was when Beyonce announced: "I gonna be a triple threat... triple threat... that's 3 things... 1, 2, 3. triple threat... singin', dancin' and actin'... triple threat... 1, 2 3 things... got it?"

No Rom Com

No Fiction

Can be Factual Historical

Biographical

Possibly sporting if you have a recommendation, like a memorable Lions tour, Stephen Roche winning the Tour,.....

True story against the odds would be great.

Good books on Thailand, although this has been done to death on other sub-forums, read a couple on the cultural differences and one on the English girl in Yard Lao ( sp) the women's Bangkok Hilton I think, but others might be good.

I am on Leave in a few weeks and need a couple of books, Rayong can be quite quiet, Bliss.

There are two I am thinking of, but don't know the names as yet.

True story regarding the commercial multiple group guides up Everest, where approx 10 people died, I think '96 and the story of the guy rock climbing in the U.S, rock moved, caught his hand, he then proceeded to cut the wrist/hand off with a rusty penknife, you don't see that everyday!!

I will find these names, but any other recommendations, for a quiet time on a quiet beach with a quiet beer or two.

Cheers

Moss

G'Day Moss,

If it's hardship and endurance you want to read about try :-

"ALIVE" by Piers Paul Read

or

"Miracle in The Andes" by Nando Parrado

Synopsis:- On October 12, 1972, a plane carrying a team of young rugby players crashed into the remote, snow-peaked Andes. Out of the forty-five original passengers and crew, only sixteen made it off the mountain alive. For ten excruciating weeks they suffered deprivations beyond imagining, confronting nature head-on at its most furious and inhospitable. And to survive, they were forced to do what would have once been unthinkable ... This is their story — one of the most astonishing true adventures of the twentieth century.